When Might a Family Dentist Recommend Tooth Extraction?

Although tooth extractions are generally avoided if possible, there are several reasons why a family dentist might recommend this procedure to an adult or youth patient. The extraction process involves either pulling out a tooth the has already erupted from the gums or surgically removing impacted teeth. There are situations where a tooth cannot be saved or it causes other problems in the mouth, making removal the only recourse.

Common reasons for tooth extraction by a family dentist

Most often, tooth extraction is recommended due to either extreme damage to the tooth or overcrowding of the mouth. The age of the patient and the overall condition of the mouth is always a major factor in deciding whether or not this procedure is necessary. The following situations may require the removal of a tooth.

Tooth decay

In both children and adults, tooth decay, gum disease and injury are among the most frequent reasons for pulling out a tooth. If caught early on, tooth decay can often be treated with fluoride, fillings or crowns. If the decay has reached the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal may be used to remove the diseased material and replace it with a filling. However, if the tooth is left untreated for a long period of time, it is not always possible to save the tooth, and it will need removal.

There are situations where dental trauma is so severe that the tooth cannot be restored. A family dentist may need to extract a tooth if it has been pushed out of its socket or if there is a horizontal crack near the gum line. However, the dental practitioner will often attempt to salvage the tooth or attach a crown before choosing to remove it.

Overcrowded teeth

If a patient has large teeth or there is not enough room in the mouth for a tooth to erupt through the gums, a family dentist might recommend pulling teeth out to open up space. This situation is most common with children and teenagers. To properly align the teeth and ensure the gap is big enough for the permanent tooth to come in, orthodontic treatment is normally required.

Impacted teeth

Sometimes, a tooth is unable to erupt through the gums, leading to impaction. This may occur because the mouth is overcrowded or the tooth is turned at an incorrect angle. Wisdom teeth often become partially or fully impacted because there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them. In these cases, it may be necessary to cut into the gums and bone to remove the tooth.

Conclusion

While everyone hopes that a tooth extraction can be avoided through restoration procedures, there are times when the removal of a tooth is the only course of action available to the family dentist. For most patients, this is only the first step of the process. Orthodontic treatment may be required to close the space, or a dental implant may be used to replace the tooth. The primary goal of extraction is always to restore function and improve the appearance of the mouth.

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